How to choose a bicycle

 
Buying guide · bicycles
How to choose a bicycle
Start with where you’ll ride. The rear derailleur, number of gears and name on the frame can come later: the right type of bike matters first.
1.
where you’ll ride
2.
position and comfort
3.
the right size
4.
then the components

Where will you ride most often?

The answer usually points straight to the right kind of bike.

Cycle paths and roads

relaxed outings, firm tracks and occasional gravel
Hybrid and trekking bikes →

Forest tracks and trails

roots, rocks and rougher ground, wider tyres and more stability
Mountain bikes →

Speed on tarmac

sportier riding, longer routes and efficient pedalling
Road and gravel bikes →

Town and commuting

comfortable position, easy mounting and everyday practicality
City bikes →

The most common buying mistake

A mountain bike can seem like the most versatile choice. But if you ride mainly on tarmac and cycle paths, it may feel unnecessarily slow and less enjoyable than a hybrid or trekking bike.

Choosing between two types

These are the comparisons we discuss most often in the shop.

Mountain bike or hybrid?

A mountain bike is better suited to forests, trails and rough ground. Wider tyres add stability, grip and control away from tarmac.
A hybrid is often more enjoyable on cycle paths, roads and longer relaxed outings. It rolls more easily, and a more upright riding position can improve comfort.
Browse hybrid bikes →

Gravel bike or hybrid?

A gravel bike offers a lively, sporty ride across tarmac, gravel and rougher tracks.
A hybrid can perform similarly well on everyday routes while offering a more relaxed position and versatile use for leisure rides.
Browse gravel bikes →

Hardtail or full suspension?

A hardtail is simpler, lighter and more affordable. It is often all you need for ordinary forest tracks and outings.
A full-suspension bike comes into its own on more demanding terrain, adding comfort, traction and control.
Browse full-suspension bikes →

What matters most

Components matter once the bike type and size are right.

Frame size

Better components can’t fix the wrong size. Start with the recommendations for the particular model.

Tyres

A smoother tyre rolls faster on tarmac. A wider tyre with more pronounced tread adds confidence off-road.

Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes offer strong braking, good control and usually need less routine adjustment than cable-operated brakes.

Suspension

More suspension doesn’t automatically mean a better bike. Match it to the terrain you’ll actually ride.

Gearing

The number of gears isn’t the whole story. You need a low enough climbing gear and a useful range for the flat.

Riding style

Even bikes within the same category can feel different because of their position, geometry and tyres. Choose a bike to suit how you actually ride.

What needn’t come first

Number of gears
More gears alone don’t make a better bike.
Rear derailleur brand
A better derailleur won’t make the wrong type of bike suitable.
The top model at any cost
Higher-end components are most useful when their benefits match your riding.

Use the product comparison tool

For selected bikes, you can use the Compare function. It’s helpful once you’ve narrowed the choice to a few models and want to compare brakes, drivetrain and other equipment side by side.

What about a child’s bike?

For children, prioritise low weight, the right size and simple handling. An oversized bike bought for growing room won’t help if the child struggles to control it. Excess weight and size both make riding harder.

How do we deliver bicycles?

We deliver bikes throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Depending on your location, options include handover by a technician, collection from our shop or delivery with the bike approximately 98% assembled.
Personal handover
in the shop · technician delivery in selected areas
Courier delivery
95–98% assembled
Ready to ride
adjusted in our workshop

A simple rule for choosing

The best bike suits the routes you ride most often. The right type and frame size make a bigger difference than most technical details or component upgrades.

Where to go next

Once you know the type you need, or if you’re considering electric assistance.

Bicycles

Browse our complete bicycle range.
Browse bikes →

E-bikes

For easier climbs and longer rides.
E-bikes →

Children’s bikes and balance bikes

From 12" wheels to junior sizes.
Children’s bikes →

Used and demo bikes

Checked bikes with a warranty at a reduced price.
Used and demo bikes →

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